Vaccinium myrsinites aka Evergreen Blueberry

Vaccinium myrsinites is a small shrub in the heath family. Its common names include shiny blueberry and Florida evergreen blueberry. It grows wild in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Its habitats include pine woods, sandy scrub, and open woodland. It also grows near bogs and in mixed forests. This native shrub provides both food and cover for wildlife.

The plant grows slowly and has an upright, branched form. It keeps some or all of its leaves through winter. Underground rhizomes let it spread into broad patches. Runners can cross bare ground where other plants are absent. Green young stems become woody as they age. Their surfaces range from smooth to densely hairy. The small, oval leaves have smooth edges and glossy tops. Tiny red glands mark their lower sides. New leaves may have pink edges.

Spring brings small, tube-shaped flowers in groups of two to eight. Their petals are white, with pink calyxes around them. Bees and other pollinators visit the blooms. Round berries ripen from late spring into summer. They range from blue to black, with a gray-blue surface. Each berry holds many seeds. People eat the fruit fresh or cook it in pies. Birds and mammals also feed on the crop. Northern bobwhite rely on it during spring and summer.

Grow this blueberry in acid soil that drains well. Sandy soil and light loam both suit it. It prefers moist ground but can cope with drought. Full sun supports better fruiting, though light shade also works. Lime can cause the leaves to turn yellow. Shelter from strong winds helps meet its growing needs. Avoid disturbing its roots when moving it. The listed USDA hardiness range is zones 8 through 10. It has limited hardiness across much of Britain.

Use it in borders, low hedges, or mass plantings. It also suits containers and edible or wildlife gardens. Its spreading rhizomes can make it weedy in garden beds. Reported pests include scale insects, whiteflies, leafhoppers, and bud mites. Leaf diseases, blights, and fruit rots can also occur. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. That report does not establish safety for every plant part. The same source records traditional medicinal uses for the leaves.